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President's Message: Spring 2004
Rick Peterson, President
Our chapter has been undergoing an evolving identity in many ways. I have watched our members become increasingly unified and with the new age of digital, we have rallied together to learn from both experts in their field and from each other. It's an exciting time to be a photographer. A further step in our evolving identity had been in our chapter name change to the ASMP Arizona/Tucson chapter. It is a more encompassing description. Finally, I have seen our chapter gain new recognition from our community of photographers, student photographers and educators. It is through our participation in the chapter events and the new information and business practices that we bring to the marketplace that the ASMP membership makes its presence felt and shapes a higher standard of business for our community of photographers in Arizona.
 The season is upon us when fresh opportunities are in the air. As the Fall and Winter season come around again we find our national economy undergoing a new upswing. This is the season to reach out to new prospects and to demonstrate your skills. We have learned how the new generation of digital cameras have matched the quality of film and how the digital workflow is a great benefit to clients. It is important to stay informed on the issues of image management and color management and maintain the highest standards for the sake of your own business and the photographic community at large. Especially important is an understanding of the economic basis of shooting digital. While the cost of the equipment is high, it is offset by the elimination of film, processing Polaroids, messengers, etc. Be certain to always build an"image capture" expense into your fees and learn to educate clients that this is a real expense - that because you have no film and processing does not mean that the digital images come free.
I am placing emphasis on digital images because of the many new issues that are presented, but I am not implying that digital is the only way. There's nothing like a film based image for many reasons - technical and creative - and I think that the two mediums have their place as we make our choices.
Our 2003 season of ASMP events is coming to a close and our Board of Directors are looking forward to a new year of inspirational and informative events. As always, your input as members of the ASMP Arizona/Tucson is absolutely encouraged and appreciated, so please talk to us. Steven Meckler is Program Chair and his phone is 520-792-2467. My phone is 520-881-1460.
I wish you all continued successes, and I'll see you at the next meeting.
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